Dragonfly

The Dragonfly gallery sits in Leicestershire, a proper spot for anyone keen on contemporary art without the faffing about of the big-name institutions. It's the kind of place where you can wander round at your own pace, taking in whatever catches your eye without feeling like you're on a school trip.

What you actually get here is rotating exhibitions showcasing work from artists across the region and beyond. The space itself has that intimate feel - close enough to Swadlincote that it's easy to reach, but far enough removed from the hustle that you can actually think about what you're looking at. It draws a mix of serious art types and casual visitors who stumble in because they fancy something different from the usual tourist trail.

If you're staying at Conkers Camping and Caravanning Club Site just down the road, this makes a solid half-day break from the great outdoors. You won't need hours here unless there's something specific on that grabs you - reckon on 45 minutes to an hour if you're browsing properly. Best approached without high expectations; it's local and genuine, not trying to be something it isn't.

Worth checking their current programme before you go, as it's the exhibitions that'll make or break a visit. Worth the detour if you're in the area and the timing lines up, but don't plan a trip around it alone.